Author: Damian Gorbunov

Kratom is your favorite herb. It helps you relieve pain, stress, anxiety, and depression, boosts your mood and wellbeing, and increases your motivation and productivity. All in all, kratom makes your life a lot better. So, why would you even think of kratom alternatives?

Benefits of Kratom Alternatives

It may seem counterintuitive. However, having a few kratom alternatives in stock (or, at least, in mind) can actually be very beneficial. Why, you ask?

You can benefit from kratom alternatives in various ways. And none of them involve giving up on kratom!

• Keeping kratom tolerance at bay. If you take kratom regularly, you may be prone to developing kratom tolerance. It is beneficial to take breaks from kratom, e.g., a day or a few every week, when you skip your daily kratom dose. However, many people fear feeling bad during these days. Kratom alternatives can help improve your quality of lie on those days and not reach for another kratom dose.
• Getting rid of kratom tolerance. If you already have developed kratom tolerance and significantly upping your doses to get the same effect, that means that you should take a break to allow your body the time it needs to eliminate the accumulated kratom alkaloids from your system. But this means that you won’t be able to experience kratom effects. Kratom alternatives may not provide the exact same effects, but they can make it easier for you to get through this time.
• Traveling to areas where kratom is not legal. We get plenty of comments on our kratom legality post from people traveling to different states and countries with kratom. While in many locations kratom is legal, it is not always possible to travel with kratom. But that may mean having a terrible time with your favorite herb. Kratom alternatives that are legal in these areas can help you feel better without getting into legal trouble.
• Living in areas where kratom is banned. Sadly, kratom is not legal everywhere, which means that you won’t be alto to buy it and experience its benefits if you live in areas where kratom is banned. If that’s your case, there may be kratom alternatives that can ease your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

9 Best Kratom Alternatives

1. CBD for Pain, Stress, and Anxiety Relief

Cannabidiol or CBD is a component of plants that belong to the cannabis family. This includes both medical marijuana as well as hemp. Hemp of cannabis sativa is a close relative to medical marijuana. Yet, it contains very low levels of THC, the psychoactive component that makes one feel “high.”

Because of the low TCH level, hemp-derived CBD is legal in all 50 US states as well as across different countries.

Help plants are also a lot easier and cheaper to grow, which makes them more affordable as well as more widely available. Hemp pant material also has numerous other benefits, making it a more environmentally friendly alternative to medical marijuana.

CBD can be beneficial for anxiety, stress, and depression relief, improve sleep, reduce pain resulting from inflammatory conditions, as well as prevent neurodegeneration. As a result, it can be a suitable kratom alternative to the red vein strains.

It also has very few side effects, making it a relatively safe kratom alternative. It is also possible to take kratom and CBD together.

2. Kava for Relaxation and Anxiety Relief

Sold alongside kratom in numerous kava and kratom bars across the US, kava or Piper methysticum is a plant that belongs to the pepper family and native to the South Pacific and neighboring regions.

Kavalactones, the active components in kava, affect the GABA receptors in the brain. As a result, kava can help one relax, relieve stress and anxiety, induce euphoria, improve the ability to concentrate and the clarity of mind, as well as promote sleep.

Kava also has pain-relieving properties; however, they aren’t the same as those you can expect from kratom. Kava primarily affects muscles. So, it can effectively reduce muscle pain and tension resulting from stress and anxiety as well as after exercising.

Because of its properties, kava can be an effective alternative if you take red or green vein strains to relieve anxiety, stress, sleep better, have an easier time focusing and taming intrusive thoughts, as well as perform better under pressure. Kava can also help you beat social anxiety and make social situations easier.

Nonetheless, it won’t be effective in relieving chronic pain or easing opioid withdrawal. Kratom most definitely wins in this kava vs. kratom battle. So, you may need to look for another kratom alternative if you are looking for pain relief.

3. Akuamma for Pain Relief

Some refer to akuamma as the African kratom. Akuamma or Picralima nitida is a plant native to tropical Africa. Seeds from the akuamma tree have pain-relieving properties. It is also used in West Africa to treat malaria and diarrhea.

Akuammine, the main component responsible for the effects of akuamma binds to the same receptors in the brain as kratom; however, in a different way.

As a result, akuamma is an effective kratom alternative for stress and anxiety relief as well as in reducing pain in a similar way to opioids. However, akuamma can make depression symptoms worse, especially if taken in large doses. Therefore, if you suffer from depression, it’s best to avoid this kratom alternative.

Learn more about kratom vs. akuamma.

4. Guarana to Boost Your Energy

Guarana, or Paullinia cupana, is a tropical shrub native to the Amazonian rainforest. Its fruits have seeds that contain four times more caffeine than an equal weight of coffee beans. In fact, guarana is the most caffeine-rich plant product in the world. Guarana seeds also contain tannins and other stimulants.

Guarana can help fight fatigue, increase mental awareness, and promote weight loss. Because of its stimulating properties, it is often used as one of the ingredients in sodas and stimulating beverages such as Monster and Red Bull.

Due to its effects, guarana can be a great alternative to white or green vein kratom for those who are looking for more energy, increased productivity, and better cognition, as well as ways to stay alert.

Keep in mind though that guarana can produce some side effects such as stomach irritation, increased blood pressure and heart rate, nervousness, and agitation.

5. White Willow Bark for Pain Relief

The bark and leaves of white willow, also known as Salix alba, contain a compound known as salicylic acid. This is very similar to acetylsalicylic acid, one of the main ingredients that make up aspirin.

As a result, white willow bark can help relieve pain, especially resulting from inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. In addition to that, white willow bark can also reduce fever and boost your immune system.

Because of that, white willow bark can serve as one of the most effective red vein kratom alternatives. It is, however, not recommended for people who take blood thinners and will not help you fall asleep as red vein kratom strains do.

6. Kanna for Mild Pain Relief, Better Mood, and Decrease in Anxiety

Kanna, or Sceletium tortuosum, is an African herb that, similarly to kratom, contains potent alkaloids. Due to their effects, it is a popular means of boosting the mood and helping with depression and anxiety. Kanna can also suppress the appetite aiding in weight loss.

The effects of kanna are similar to those of white and green vein kratom, yet it does not have the pain-relieving properties you may know kratom for. Kanna can provide relaxation in higher doses. Therefore, it can help one manage pain more effectively. Yet, in the kanna vs. kratom pain relief debate, kratom definitely wins.

Similarly to white vein kratom, some people may find kanna too stimulating. Moreover, people who are already taking prescription anti-depressants should avoid it as the combo can cause unpleasant side effects.

7. Phenibut for Anxiety and Stress Relief and Better Sleep

Phenibut is a chemical used primarily in Russia and Ukraine with similar effects to those of the brain chemical GABA. It helps to reduce anxiety, stress, and depression, relieve PTSD and ADHD symptoms, and help manage fear. It also has nootropic, improving cognitive function, memory, thinking, and learning.

While Phenibut can replicate some of the green vein kratom effects, it’s not one of the kratom alternatives if you are looking for pain relief.

8. Chuchuhuasi for Pain Relief

Chuchuhausi is another tree native to the Amazonian rainforest. It’s leaves, bark, and roots can help relieve pain resulting from conditions such as arthritis. It can also ease back pain and pain from joint issues, broken bones.

Natives also use chuchuhuasi to ease pain after difficult childbirth and even apply it to their skin to slow down the development of skin cancer.

Chuchuhuasi can also provide some stimulation. Because of that, it can serve as one of green vein kratom alternatives.

9. Marijuana for Pain Relief and Relaxation

Marijuana, also known as cannabis sativa and cannabis indica, is a type of cannabis. However, in contract with hemp, it has high levels of THC. Because of that, the legality of marijuana is only limited to a number of states and select countries.

Some locations only permit the use of marijuana for medical use if prescribed by a physician whereas, even a smaller number of locations permit recreational use of marijuana.

Marijuana is a potent pain reliever, especially when it comes to chronic pain. It also has euphoric and sedative effects. As a result, it can be one of the most effective red vein kratom alternatives.

Nonetheless, marijuana is even more controversial than kratom. Therefore, make sure that you are legally allowed to use it, or you risk putting yourself in serious legal risk.

Final Words on Kratom Alternatives

Keep in mind that these kratom alternatives will not produce effects that are identical to those of kratom. Therefore you are not going to experience exactly the same effects as you would alter taking kratom.

Moreover, make sure to properly research how and how much of each alternative you would need as the usage and dosage would differ from kratom.

If you are taking any prescription medication, look into the interactions that they may have with the kratom alternatives that you are considering trying. Some combinations may have serious side effects that are best to avoid.

Have you ever experienced any of these kratom alternatives? Which ones would you recommend, and why?

One of the ways to take kratom is tea. You can easily make kratom tea at home with or without sweeteners and some lemon juice. You even spice things up with different kratom tea recipes if you get bored with regular kratom tea.

Despite the many benefits of kratom, one thing that many people complain about is kratom taste. If you try out different kratom vendors, you may discover that kratom from some vendors actually tastes rather neutral. Yet, in other instances, kratom can be rather bitter and difficult to get down.

Therefore, many add sweeteners to make kratom tea more palatable. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best kratom sweeteners to add to your daily cup of kratom tea. We’ll also go through some of the worst ones that you should better avoid.

Best Kratom Sweeteners

1. No Sweetener

It may sound counterintuitive, but the best sweetener is no sweetener at all. Even if kratom sweeteners are natural and considered safe, they are still added sugar. There are no health benefits associated with having added sugar in your diet, especially because sugar is added to most foods that we consume.

Foods that may seem completely unrelated to sugar are frequently full of sugar, especially if they are processed. The following store-bought products contain sugar:

• sauces,
• condiments such as ketchup,
• dressings,
• diet foods,
• canned vegetables,
• breakfast cereal,
• bread.

Products such as milk, fruits, dried fruits, and fruit juices also have natural sugars present into them. So, the chances are that you are already consuming more sugar than it is recommended.

Excess sugar can lead to many health problems, such as excess weight and diabetes.

So, if your kratom tea tastes really bad, you may want to try out other kratom vendors. There are vendors out there who sell more palatable kratom as well as those who sell very potent kratom. The more potent the powder is, the less of it you will need, which will result in less bitterness.

Sugar is addictive, and quitting it altogether may be very hard at first. However, it gets easier over time.

2. Natural Fruit

If you cannot handle kratom taste, look into the next best kratom sweeteners – natural fruit. While you will likely not put fruit into kratom tea, making kratom smoothies may be a healthy alternative. You will not be able to mask kratom taste, but also up your intake of vitamins from the fruit.

You can also mix kratom with your favorite fruit juice. However, make sure to use freshly-squeezed juice rather than store-bought ones. The latter tend to have additional additives to make them sweeter and prolong their shelf life.

3. Stevia

Stevia is an all natural, low-calorie sweetener that is extracted from the leaves of a South American plant stevia. It is approximately 100 times sweeter than table sugar, but has almost no calories. Purified commercially available stevia can be even up to 300 times sweeter than table sugar.

Due to its low caloric value, stevia is a great sugar substitute for people who have diabetes.

Nonetheless, stevia tends to be more expensive, and it also can have an unpleasant aftertaste and cause nausea. Due to this reason, it’s not uncommon for manufacturers to add other sugars, making stevia less beneficial. So, go for organic stevia that has not been supplemented with other sugars if possible.

4. Raw Honey

While honey is still a type of sugar and is high in calories, raw honey contains many beneficial nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It also has polyphenols, bioactive plant compounds that act as antioxidants.

As a result, pure raw honey has anti-inflammatory properties and many health benefits. Due to the enzymes that honey bees produce, raw honey also has anti-bacterial properties.

Raw honey also contains pollen. Bee pollen contains around 250 beneficial compounds and has many impressive nutritional and health benefits. Germany even recognizes it as natural medicine.

Yet, most store-bought honey is filtered to the extent that it contains no pollen. Moreover, most commercial honey are watered down and how other additives such as artificial sugars. So, store-bought is not only a lot less beneficial; it may actually be harmful.

Don’t get fooled by labeling such as “organic,” an unofficial study that samples around 60 various brands of honey concluded that about 75% of them, including those labeled as “organic,” had no pollen.

That’s because organic normally means that honey came from an organic farm. However, it may have still gone through processing that has removed pollen and altered the composition of the honey. Raw, on the other hand, means that honey has not been pasteurized or otherwise processed.

So, we advise you to look into local honey producers to get your hands on some pure honey and enjoy all its health benefits. Keep in mind that raw honey can thicken and crystallize. It is still good honey that is safe to eat; so, don’t worry.

5. Maple Syrup

Pure maple syrup also is a high-calorie product that contains a high amount of sugar, yet it contains some vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Yet, just like with honey, it’s important to get real pure maple syrup. Otherwise, you may be getting maple-flavored syrup that contains high-fructose corn syrup, refined sugar, or other artificial ingredients that are not good for you.

Worst Kratom Sweeteners

1. Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners are sugar substitutes that taste sweet but do not have as many calories and do not raise blood sugar levels. Some of the most common are aspartame, acesulfame potassium, also known as acesulfame K, sucralose, saccharin, xylitol, and others.

Unless you are diabetic and artificial sugars have been advised to you by a doctor, it’s best to stay away from them.

Dietitians state that artificial sweeteners can make crave sugar even more. Moreover, they can affect the gut flora, leading to increased weight.

While you will frequently find sources claiming that there is no solid proof that artificial sweeteners are unsafe, there are many side effects and risks associated with them. These include dizziness, nausea, inflammation, headaches, migraines, mood swings, as well as gastrointestinal problems such as bloating, gas and worsened IBS symptoms.

Some studies also show a connection between aspartame and cancer.

2. Refined Sugar

Refined sugar is the regular white table sugar. The body breaks it down very quickly, resulting in spikes in insulin. A diet high in refined sugar can lead to many health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, obesity, hyperactivity, and other health problems.

Moreover, most of us already consume plenty of sugar through other foods. So, adding more refined sugar to our tea is simply an unnecessary way of upping our refined sugar intake.

Keep in mind that brown sugar isn’t necessarily healthier. While due to molasses that while sugar does not have, brown sugar contains some minerals. Yet their amount is so small, that it doesn’t actually contribute to any health benefits.

Moreover, some brown sugar available on the market isn’t actually brown sugar but refined white sugar with molasses added to it that makes it look brown.

3. Agave Nectar

Many refer to agave nectar as a healthy substitute to regular sugar because it has a low glycemic index and does not affect blood sugar. Nonetheless, it is extremely high in fructose. In fact, it has more fructose than regular table sugar. Therefore, its long-term use may lead to high bad or LDL cholesterol, fatty liver, increased belly fat, and other health issues.

The Bottom Line

Keep in mind that the best kratom sweeteners mentioned in this article are still a form of sugar. So, even if they are healthier and better alternatives, it’s still best to keep their intake at a minimum. Try not to take more than one to two teaspoons a day.

A common concern among kratom users or those willing to try the herb is whether they can take kratom daily. Many people choose kratom as a replacement for prescription medication, and it provides them with pain relief that boosts their wellbeing and helps them function through the day. For them, going without kratom may be torture.

The kratom tree belongs to the coffee family of plants. Therefore, taking kratom daily is akin to taking coffee daily. A small amount can be beneficial and should not cause any issues. Yet, too much can lead to a tolerance buildup requiring you to take a higher dosage each time.

However, if you are mindful and responsible with your doses, you should be fine. Think about it. Prescription medications such as prescription opioids have a lot more side effects and risks associated with them as well as a high death due to inappropriate use, yet doctors prescribe them for daily use.

On the other hand, kratom does not have the respiratory depression that opioids do. That’s due to its different molecular structure. Kratom 8 Factor Analysis shows that kratom’s respiratory depression and abuse potential are so low in comparison with opioids that they are not enough to cause concern.

Nonetheless, irresponsible kratom use can lead to kratom tolerance and needing to take higher doses. That can end up requiring larger investment from you, and that can negatively affect your budget.

Keep in mind the fact that every person is different. Therefore, what may work for one person may not necessarily work for another. Different factors, such as health conditions, age, medications you may be taking, can determine whether taking kratom daily works for you or not.

How to Take Kratom Daily?

If you would like to take kratom daily, such as in the case of chronic pain or condition, it is crucial to keep a few things in mind so that you get the best out of your daily dose of kratom and your financial investment in the herb.

1. Take Your Doses Approximately at the Same Time

Keeping routines when it comes to kratom intake is essential. It takes approximately 24 hours for our bodies to eliminate kratom alkaloids. Because of that, you should give your body enough time to do that before you take your next dose.

So, if you take Red Bali an hour after work, try doing the same on each day.

2. Take the Same Amount

Make sure not to up your dose if you aren’t feeling the same effects. While alkaloids may be weaker, there are still there. So, a higher dose will mean that there are more alkaloids that your body needs to eliminate, and you’ll run out of kratom much sooner.

To avoid that, take the same amount. Keep in mind though that this amount will differ for each strain. So, if your dose of Green Maeng Da is 2 grams, then take 2 grams each time you take Green Maeng Da. However, if your Red Bali Dose is 6 grams, then you should take that amount of kratom each time.

Unfortunately, not all kratom batches will have the exact same potency. So, you may receive a package that has much weaker kratom than your previous order. If that occurs consistently, it may be beneficial for you to look into other kratom vendors.

3. Measure Your Dose Accurately

While using a spoon may seem more convenient, there is no guarantee that you take the same dose. You can easily get a much higher dose if you scoop a more heaped spoon. Doing so consistently, you may end up building your kratom tolerance without being aware of it.

To prevent that from happening, use a sensitive digital scale to accurately measure your dose each time and take the same kratom dose daily.

4. Rotate Strains

Since kratom effects diminish sooner than it takes for your body to eliminate kratom alkaloids, you may be willing to take a few doses of kratom every day. In that case, make sure to vary strains. Since each strain has a different alkaloid makeup, you will be less likely to develop a buildup.

5. Take Breaks

Ideally, you should take kratom 4-5 days each week and take at least a day or two off. Sometimes, you may need to qu for a short period of time. If that would reduce your quality of life, consider looking into kratom alternatives such as akuamma seed, CBD, or kava for the days you don’t take kratom.

None of the kratom alternatives will provide the exact same effects. However, you can find an alternative that provides the closest effects for the results you are looking for.

6. Take Magnesium Supplements

Magnesium not only works as a kratom potentiator but also helps you lower kratom tolerance. Moreover, magnesium has plenty of other health benefits, such as improving bone and cardiovascular health, reducing anxiety, improving sleep quality, and more. Therefore, taking kratom and magnesium can provide you a wide variety of benefits.

Signs of Kratom Tolerance

The first sign of developing kratom tolerance from taking kratom daily is weaker peak effects. You may still feel that kratom works great, but it’s not quite the same as it used to be. Instead of upping your dose, take a few days off.

What If Kratom Is Not Working Anymore?

There are various reasons why kratom may not be working anymore. These include:

• High kratom tolerance,
• Kratom losing potency due to not storing it properly,
• Low-quality or fake kratom,
• Taking kratom with other substances that cancel it out,
• Taking kratom on a full stomach.

Depending on what your reason is, you may need to adapt your doses, choose a different vendor,  or make a few changes to your lifestyle.

Would you like to take kratom daily? What effects are you looking for? And what’s your biggest concern?

Kratom and marijuana are both rather controversial herbs that help masses of people improve their quality of life. If you are considering both, making the right choice can be challenging. Let’s take a look and kratom vs. marijuana to find out more.

What Is Kratom?

Kratom, or Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical tree that is indigenous to Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and other Southeast Asian countries. Due to its potent alkaloids, namely mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, kratom has numerous beneficial properties, such as pain relief, stress, anxiety, and depression relief, euphoria, and more.

Kratom plant belongs to the coffee family of plants, yet kratom alkaloids have opioid-like properties and affect the receptors in the brain that opioids affect. Therefore, many people choose kratom as an alternative to opioids as well as to overcome opioid addiction.

Kratom pain relief is potent and effective for various kinds of pain, including chronic pain that resists opioids.

Kratom has various vein and strain types. Depending on the type, kratom can be more stimulating like coffee or have relaxing and sedating effects.

What Is Marijuana?

Cannabis, also commonly known as marijuana, weed, or pot, is a plant that is frequently used for medicinal and recreational purposes. Indigenous to central Asia, cannabis has been used for medicinal and spiritual purposes for centuries.

The cannabis plant has nearly 500 known active compounds. At least 65 of them are cannabinoids. One of them, THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. Cannabinoids interact with the cannabinoid receptors, which are a part of the endocannabinoid system.

Cannabis plants have various species and strains, each of which attributes to different uses and effects. However, people most commonly use it for chronic pain relief, relaxation, stress, depression, and anxiety relief, alleviating ADHD and PTSD, controlling seizures, and more.

Are CBD and Marijuana the Same?

CBD and marijuana are not the same. However, let’s take a look at the details to clear any misunderstandings.

Currently, there are three recognized cannabis species: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. While virtually undistinguishable visually, hemp and marijuana are both varieties of the Cannabis sativa plant.

Hemp plants have less than 0.3% of THC content, whereas marijuana plants can contain anywhere from 0.3% to up to 30% THC. Both are high in cannabinoids. Hemp plants have many uses because it’s the strongest and most durable natural fiber.

Hemp plants can grow outdoors and do not require any special conditions or much control. In the meantime, marijuana needs a controlled environment, such as temperature and lighting, and regular care and supervision.

CBD oil or cannabidiol is a natural compound that can be derived from Cannabis sativa plants. Therefore, CDB can come from both hemp and marijuana. However, most CBD oil you’ll encounter on the market derives from hemp. That’s because hemp-derived CBD that contains less than 0.3% THC is legal across the US.

Kratom vs. Marijuana: Similarities

Benefits

People use both kratom and marijuana for their analgesic properties. Both can provide potent pain relief, relief from stress, anxiety, and depression, mood boost, as well as help with conditions such as ADHD, PTSD.

Kratom vs. Marijuana: Differences

Origins

Kratom belongs to the coffee, also known as Rubiaceae or Madder, family. Coffee and Gardenia are some of the other plants from this family. It’s native to Southeast Asian countries that include Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia.

However, cannabis plants are indigenous to Central Asia and belong to the Cannabaceae family, which is a small family of flowering plants. Hop plant is another popular and economically important plant in the same family.

Uses

Most kratom comes in powder form. Therefore people take it by brewing kratom tea, tossing and washing it, or mixing it with liquids such as juice, yogurt, or smoothies. Heat can potentiate kratom effects, but it’s not needed for one to benefit from kratom.

Kratom also comes in capsule, extract, and resin form.

When it comes to marijuana, it needs to be heated for one to experience beneficial effects. That’s because the active compounds contain an extra molecule that cancels out the psychoactive effects. Heating causes the decarboxylation process. During it, heat turns THCA that does not have psychoactive effects into THC that has numerous beneficial properties.

Therefore, marijuana is taken by smoking or vaping it, or through edibles or extracts. On the other hand, vaping and smoking kratom is not a good idea.

Both herbs come in topicals, yet, THC topicals are a lot more common. You may come across kratom soap, bath bombs, and balms. In the meantime, there are THC balms, bath salts, lotions, oils, shampoos, and other products.

Dosage

The effects of both kratom and marijuana are dose-dependent. The more marijuana one takes, the stronger the effects.

Things are a little different with kratom.  A smaller dose has mild pain-relieving effects and acts as a stimulant in a similar way to coffee. However, larger doses of kratom have stronger relaxing and sedating effects.

Psychoactive Effects

While kratom is frequently mislabeled as a psychoactive plant or a plant that will give you a “high,” it does not possess psychoactive compounds or properties. Marijuana, however, does. THC is the primary psychoactive compound in kratom.

Effects on Body

While cannabis and kratom are both effective for pain relief, they work in different ways. Kratom interacts with the opioid receptors in the brain. Therefore, it provides similar pain relief to what you can expect from opioid medications.

Cannabis acts on the cannabinoid receptors of the endocannabinoid system. These receptors are located throughout the body and are involved in processes such as pain sensation, appetite, mood, and others.

Kratom can improve your quality of life with a variety of conditions. So, if during certain times of the year, Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD impacts you, you may be looking for means of alleviating it.

What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?

Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD is a form of depression that occurs due to the changes in seasons and affects roughly 4-6% of the US population. Therefore, SAD always begins and ends at the relatively same time of the year.

If you tend to suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, you’ll start experiencing its symptoms when the weather gets colder and the days become considerably shorter and darker, usually in late fall or early winter. They last during the winter months and go away when the weather gets warmer and sunnier, in spring or even early summer.

In most people, SAD occurs due to limited sunshine. This can affect the circadian rhythm and cause serotonin levels to drop. Serotonin is a brain chemical linked to happiness and wellbeing, whereas low levels of it can lead to depression.

Yet, not all people suffer from SAD in the winter. Some suffer from summer depression or summertime SAD. It’s a reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder that about 10% of those who experience SAD have. Experts indicate that people living closer to the equator are more prone to experiencing summertime SAD.

While causes are unclear, it’s believed that longer days can lead to disrupted melanin levels, heat and increased humidity can make us feel worse. In addition to that, school holidays and more active duties at home, body image issues, and financial burdens due to holidays can lead to people feeling depressed.

SAD Symptoms

It’s common for the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder to vary in intensity. They can be mild at first and become more intense as the season progresses. The most common SAD symptoms are:

• Feelings of depression throughout the day, almost every day,
• Low energy and motivation,
• Difficulty focusing,
• Sleeping issues,
• Changes in weight and appetite,
• Sluggish or agitated feelings,
• Anxiety,
• Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or guilt,
• Loss of interest in any of the activities that used to bring pleasure and excitement,
• More frequent death or suicide thoughts.

Common SAD Treatment Methods

Common SAD treatments include medication, such as antidepressants, and psychotherapy which involves therapy.

An alternative Seasonal Affective Disorder treatment method is phototherapy. Phototherapy or light therapy involves working or simply spending time next to a device known as a light therapy box. For certain individuals, this approach is much more effective than a combination of counseling and medication.

What Is Kratom?

Kratom is a tall tropical tree from Southeast Asia that can have stimulating, relaxing, and pain-relieving properties, among many others. Kratom trees can have red vein, white vein, and green vein leaves, each of which has different alkaloid properties and effects.

Several million Americans take kratom to relieve chronic pain, overcome opioid or prescription medication addiction, improve their mood, focus better, reduce stress and anxiety, and a lot more.

Can Kratom Relieve Seasonal Affective Disorder?

While kratom will not treat Seasonal Affective Disorder, it can definitely alleviate the symptoms that you may be experiencing.

Kratom has numerous beneficial properties that can help you have more energy, improve your mood and ability to concentrate and stay productive despite the lack of energy and motivation. Kratom can also relieve stress and anxiety that may come with SAD.

Keep in mind that a combination of various alternative treatment methods may be beneficial. Therefore, consider experimenting with light therapy and counseling as well.

Best Type of Kratom for Seasonal Affective Disorder

Green Vein Kratom

For people struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder, green vein kratom strains may be the most suitable option. Greens offer a balanced mix of stimulating and soothing effects. Therefore, you can expect to feel a boost in energy, mood, motivation, and productivity, and improved focus.

Green vein kratom can also alleviate stress and anxiety, leading to a calm and steady focus. Along with an improved mood, this can help you get through the day as well as perform tasks that may not be as pleasurable.

Providing an increased dose of energy throughout the first half of the day, green vein kratom can help you feel tired and ready to go to bed in the evening. This way, it can help you maintain healthy sleep cycles.

Green Maeng Da and Green Malay Kratom are two popular strains among those who are looking for a boost in mood, energy, productivity, and general wellbeing.

White Vein Kratom

White vein kratom is more stimulating and has more potent mood-boosting properties. Nonetheless, new and experienced kratom users frequently find white strains to be a bit too much for them.

People may also feel agitated after white vein strains. So, if they suffer from anxiety and stress in addition to seasonal affective disorder, they may feel worse after taking white vein kratom.

This, however, does not necessarily mean that you should not try white vein kratom. The chances are that it may help you. Start with a threshold dose and see how you feel.

If you’d like to try whites, While Borneo, White Maeng Da, White Kali, and White Horn kratom can be great options.

Because of this, you may want to get a few kratom samples or a smaller amount of kratom to see which strains. If you’d like to do that, our top recommended kratom vendor offers kratom samples. You can get two 10-gram kratom samples that are free, though you need to cover shipping costs. Regardless of that, it’s a beneficial way of trying out a few strains and see what makes you feel better.

Do you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder? What have you done to alleviate it? Have you tried kratom? If so, which strains have been the most helpful?

Over the past years, at least a few news reports have raised awareness of the use of kratom during pregnancy. They indicated that newborns of mothers have displayed withdrawal symptoms similar to those resulting from opioids.

Therefore, this has caused various health professionals and other sources to urge pregnant women not to take kratom. Yet, are the consequences of taking kratom during pregnancy as dangerous as they are claimed? Let’s investigate.

What Is Kratom?

A tropical tree from Southeast Asia, kratom leaves have numerous beneficial alkaloids and other compounds. Due to them, kratom has been used for its medicinal properties in the Southeast Asia for centuries.

Not all kratom is the same. Depending on the circumstances such as the amount of sunlight and hydration that kratom leaves receive, they develop different levels of alkaloids. As a result, not only the stems and veins of these leaves are different, but the leaf matter produces different effects.

Kratom leaves naturally develop three different vein types: red, green, and white. Red vein kratom has potent pain-relieving, euphoric, and sedating effects.

White vein kratom is the exact opposite. It acts in a similar way coffee does, providing alertness and energy and improving focus and productivity. White vein kratom can also significantly boost the mood as well as has mild analgesic properties. Surprisingly, this is not the only similarity kratom has with coffee. Both herbs come from the same plant family.

Green vein kratom offers a mix of the two – moderate relaxing and pain-relieving as well moderate energizing effects.

Though kratom leaves have many alkaloids, two of them come in the most abundant quantities, shaping the overall profile of kratom. These are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.

Kratom alkaloids affect the same receptors in the brain, though they do not engage them in the exact same way.

Therefore, kratom possessed opioid-like properties and can serve as a substitute to prescription and other opioids, yet, it’s not an opioid itself. Kratom does not belong to the opioid plant family, but rather to the Rubiaceae or coffee family, as mentioned above.

While this makes kratom an alternative to opioids and helps people overcome opioid addiction, it also brings a lot of negative and often unfounded fame.

Why Do People Take Kratom

Different varieties of kratom have various uses. So, people take it to relieve strong chronic pain, improve sleep, quit opioids, increase energy and focus, improve the mood, and much more.

Medication during Pregnancy

In general, doctors advise pregnant women to avoid taking medication unless it’s absolutely necessary. This is especially important during the first three months. That’s because all vital baby’s organs develop during this time.

Yet, not all medicines are bad. Some are safe to take during pregnancy. So, it’s important to discuss with a doctor and follow their recommendations when it comes to medicines during pregnancy.

Medicines that Are OK during Pregnancy

Certain medications are safe during pregnancy. These include:

• Most asthma medication
• Some depression medication
• Some allergy medicines
• Certain heart burn medicines
• Some high blood pressure medicines
• Certain antibiotics
• Some over-the-counter medicines such as Tylenol

Medicines to Avoid during Pregnancy

However, there are also medicines that you should definitely avoid, such as:

• Pepto-Bismol or other medicines that contain bismuth subsalicylate
• Decongestants like phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine
• Cough and cold medicines with guaifenesin
• Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and other pain medication
• Isotretinoin containing acne medication
• ACE inhibitors
• Valproic acid and some other anti-seizure medication
• Some antibiotics, for instance doxycycline and tetracycline
• Methotrexate, which is sometimes used to treat arthritis.
• Warfarin
• Lithium for bipolar depression
• Alprazolam and diazepam used for anxiety.
• Paroxetine for depression

Keep in mind that this is not medical advice, but simply a guideline. Always talk to your doctor about any medication that you may be taking if you are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy.

Substances to Avoid During Pregnancy

Pregnant women should abstain from the use of alcohol, drugs, as well as shouldn’t smoke.

When it comes to opioids, those too should be avoided as they can negatively affect both the mother and the baby. Opioid use during pregnancy can lead to poor infant growth, preterm birth, stillborn birth, maternal death, birth defects, as well as Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome which is withdrawal in babies.

Pregnant women are either advised opioid use that follows a strict schedule, or, they are advised to quit opioids using medication to facilitate that. However, the medication used to quit opioids can also lead to dependence and other negative outcomes.

Kratom during Pregnancy

Since opioid use has many side effects and opioids may even not be effective for certain kinds of chronic pain, many people choose alternative pain management methods, such as kratom.

Yet, pregnant women often are fearful about the effects of kratom on their unborn child’s health and development. News reports can make things even worse.

While the mother and the baby have different blood streams, the baby depends on the mother for oxygen and nutrients.

The nutrients and oxygen from the mother’s blood go through the placenta and access the baby via the umbilical cord. Then, the carbon dioxide and any waste products leave the baby via the umbilical cord and are eliminated through the mothers blood circulations.

Since kratom is digested and absorbed into the blood, it too can access the baby in the same way as any other substances can. The fetus absorbs the nutrients it needs before the mother does, therefore, the baby would also be exposed to kratom.

Yet, how bad is it?

Can Kratom Affect the Baby?

Despite the reports on kratom withdrawal symptoms in babies, there are also many women who do not experience any problems or side effects. Moreover, the cases that do reach the news feature heavy kratom use that is not recommended in general.

Keep in mind that the developing baby is very small, and it does not need as many calories and nutrients as an adult. So, a regular kratom dose can be immense for a fetus, such as a large coffee dose, which is why pregnant women are advised to only take one cup of coffee a day. Too much coffee can lead to low birth weight or can even cause miscarriage.

Nonetheless, studies on kratom are very limited at the moment. Even though many women report no negative side effects, it is unknown how kratom could affect babies in the long term.

The Bottom Line

There are not enough studies to conclude whether kratom during pregnancy is safe or not. Therefore, to avoid any unknown complications its best to quit kratom during pregnancy until we have more information on it.

Do you think kratom is safe during pregnancy? Why or why not?

Kratom benefits seem to be infinite.

Kratom has potent pain-relieving properties. It can soothe various kinds of pain, eve stubborn chronic pain that may resist traditional prescription pain medication. The herb can also boost your mood and energy, improve your focus and productivity. Moreover, kratom can also alleviate conditions such as stress, anxiety, depression, arthritis, fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, cancer, and more.

Can it get any better?

Can kratom have other benefits that you may not be aware of?

The answer is yes.

Let’s explore some of the lesser-known kratom benefits and how they may help you improve the quality of your life.

8 Lesser-Known Kratom Benefits You Should Know About

1. Kratom Boosts Your Immune System

Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine are not the only compounds responsible for kratom benefits. Kratom is a powerhouse of numerous beneficial alkaloids and other unique compounds.

Two of the lesser-known kratom alkaloids are isorhynchopylline and isoptreropodine. Both of these alkaloids have immune-boosting properties.

Moreover, mitragynine has properties that help lower blood pressure in addition to relieving pain.

Together, these alkaloids create a synergy that may help your body have a stronger immune system and resist a cold or the flu.

2. Kratom Improves Physical Performance

If you regularly work out, go to the gym, or practice sports, kratom can help you improve your physical performance. The faster kratom strains, such as white and green vein kratom, can not only boost your energy work and power through less pleasurable tasks but can also improve physical energy. So, you may be able to lift a few extra pounds, do a few more reps, or run longer.

Additionally, kratom can help you relieve the pain and discomfort that you may experience after a good workout.

3. Kratom Possesses Anti-Inflammatory Properties

In addition to the well-known mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, kratom also has rhynchophylline and epicatechin, two alkaloids with anti-inflammatory properties. These alkaloids are some of the reasons that help kratom alleviate arthritis-related pain.

Kratom also has polyphenols and flavonoids, previously known as tannins, compounds that are commonly found in green tea and have anti-oxidant properties.

The exact amounts of these compounds are not known as there are still limited studies on kratom.

4. Kratom Can Help You Relieve Chronic Fatigue

The fast-paced lifestyle that we have leads to many people experiencing chronic fatigue. Kratom can help in a variety of ways.

First of all, fast and moderate kratom can increase energy during the day. So, you can remain busy and productive. Moreover, this can tire you just in time for sleep and help you establish a healthier sleep cycle.

In addition to those, slower strains can help you relax, wind down, fall asleep, as well as stay asleep. As a result, you can have a better night’s rest letting your body the time it needs to recover.

5. Kratom Can Help with Type II Diabetes

A few kratom studies have indicated that kratom alkaloids can have a positive effect on blood sugar levels. Kratom can also relieve stress and pain, which can cause blood sugar level spikes in diabetes II patients. This can help diabetes patients manage their blood sugar levels.

6. Kratom Can Improve Your Love Life

Traditional practitioners and kratom enthusiasts view kratom as an aphrodisiac. Kratom stimulates blood flow as well as improves the mood and energy and relieves stress. All of these factors can boost libido.

Moreover, some studies also indicate that kratom can increase male libido and lengthen the duration of sexual intercourse. Studies on mice have suggested that kratom ingestion may increase sperm count and lower sperm mortality.

7. Kratom Can Help You Lose Weight

Kratom users report having a reduced appetite and snacking less between meals which can lead to kratom weight loss. Additionally, they also tend to become more conscious of their diet and other aspects of their health.

Kratom also relieves stress and anxiety as well as depression symptoms, all of which can lead to unhealthy choices and poor self-care. Stress and anxiety can also lead to increased levels of adrenalin in the body, which can result in increased weight.

Kratom can also help quit unhealthy habits such as alcoholism.

8. Kratom Can Improve Your Heart Health

High stress and anxiety levels, excess weight, and insufficient sleep can be damaging to heart health. Effectively managing those in combination with regular exercise and a healthy diet significantly reduces the risk of heart disease.

Since kratom has powerful relaxing properties that can help maintain a calm focus throughout the workday as well as loosen up in the evening and relieve sleep issues. All of these factors, along with kratom’s anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties as well as its effect on weight, can significantly improve heart health and reduce the risk of developing heart disease.

Have you experienced these kratom benefits? Which kratom strains are your favorite?

Growing a kratom plant at home is not an impossible task, but it does require effort. Especially because it requires conditions that may not be natural where you live. This may lead you to taking the wrong decisions and needing to part with your kratom tree.

Luckily, kratom plants are quick to let you know when they are not happy by dropping leaves. As long as the stems are green and healthy, there is enough time to make the necessary changes.

Let’s review the most common kratom plant growing mistakes and what you should do instead to ensure that your kratom tree is healthy and happy.

Growing Kratom at Home: Common Mistakes and What to Do Instead

1. Choosing the Wrong Soil

To grow kratom trees, you need a pot and soil. Yet, if you visit your local garden center or even look for soil online, you may be surprised at the variety available.

You’ll find soil for seeding, potting, transplanting, containers, as well as for various types of plants. Moreover, you’ll come across soil and soilless blends, soil products with fertilizer and without it.

But which one of these would be best to grow kratom?

Most likely, none of those. Most commercially bought soil is not optimal for kratom. It encourages mold and fungus growth that can be detrimental for tender kratom plants.

Best Soil for Growing Kratom Seeds and Seedlings

If you have gotten a hold of kratom seeds, your best bet may be high-quality soilless blends. Those usually consist of peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite, and are usually the best for starting seeds and seedlings.

Store-bought soilless mixes are pasteurized or heated at very high temperatures and do not contain any organic matter or pathogens that may be harmful or even kill your tender kratom seedlings. Soilless mixes are also relatively light. So, they are much easier for seedlings to get started in.

However, if you have bought kratom cuttings, then you should plant them into soil.

Best Soil for Growing Kratom Cuttings

In tropical jungles of its origin, kratom grows in humus-rich and fertile soil that has a pH level that ranges between 5.5 to 6.5. This means that the soil is slightly acidic. That’s not all you need, though. The soil also needs to have the consistency that enables it to drain easily yet retain some moisture at the same time.

So, regular seeding or potting soil may not be the best option for growing kratom trees. If you can find it, go for ProMix potting soil, one of the most favored soils of organic gardeners.

Promix soil contains ingredients such as peat moss, peat humus, perlite, limestone, organic fertilizer, as well as Mycorrhizae fungus. The peat in the soil provides some bulk volume that allows the soil to hold on to moisture and nutrients. The Mycorrhizae fungi create a symbiotic relationship with the roots by colonizing them. This, in turn, increases water and nutrient absorption and boosts plant growth.

2. Not Watering Enough

Kratom plants naturally grow in tropical rainforests. So, they require plenty of moisture to thrive, and you need to recreate the tropical environment to ensure that your kratom plants are happy and healthy.

Therefore, you should water your kratom plants more frequently than you would any other plants that you have.

In addition to watering, kratom plants also require air humidity. So, you may want to invest in a humidifier. That, however, can be expensive to run and maintain. If that’s your case, you can also regularly spray your kratom plants with water.

3. Watering Too Much

While a lot of water for your kratom plants is good, too much water is not. It can cause your plant to drop leaves or its roots to start rotting. So, you can monitor the surface of the soil. When it starts drying out, it’s time for another watering. Alternatively, you can stick your finger into the soil about 2 inches deep. The soil should be moist.

If your kratom plant is in a smaller pot, you may need to water it less frequently. A smaller pot has less room for roots to spread, and it can retain moisture longer.

Moreover, pay attention to the weather. If it’s rainy and humid, don’t let your kratom drench. So, you may want to water your kratom less frequently and empty the water tray. Too much humidity can result in your kratom losing some leaves.

4. Not Giving Kratom Enough Light

Not enough light can be worse for kratom than too much light. After all, it’s a tropical plant. So, consider buying some high-quality LED lights or full-spectrum halogen bulbs.

Electric Sky LED Grow Lights are some of the most economical lighting systems for plants like kratom. They can outperform even cheaper LED lights in terms of energy costs. They are also relatively lightweight.

If you do not mind having higher electricity costs, you can leave the lights on 24/7. Contrary to popular belief, red vein kratom isn’t just a type of strain. Leaves that receive the most exposure to light, even if it’s artificial, produce darker leaves with red veins. So, the same tree can produce more red vein kratom during hotter and sunnier months and more white vein and green vein kratom during the colder months of the year.

5. Growing Kratom in a Wrong Size Pot

Your kratom plant is just like Goldilocks. A pot should neither be too big nor too small. It needs to be just right. If you grow a kratom cutting, then you should transport it to a gallon pot a few days after you have purchased it. Then, the next time you change the pot should be when you start seeing kratom plant roots growing out of the opening at the bottom of the pot.

Growing a kratom plant in a pot that’s too big can result in moisture retention. This could lead to the development of mold or fungus.

A pot that’s too small may prevent a kratom plant from growing further and cause it to drop leaves. This can happen if the plant does not receive enough water and nutrients from the soil.

6. Not Feeding Regularly

Kratom plants are very heavy feeders. Therefore, the soil in which you’re growing kratom plants needs to be continuously rich in nitrogen and other minerals. You can sprinkle about a teaspoon of organic plant fertilizer for an 8-inch pot every one to two weeks. You can reduce that in the winter unless your kratom plant keeps growing quickly and steadily. Liquid plant food can work too.

In addition to that, you can also mix rock dust, kelp meal, and green sand into the soil mix. Rock dust can help kratom plants resist pests and diseases; kelp meal releases additional nitrogen and other minerals as it breaks down, whereas green sand contains a variety of trace minerals which can keep kratom plants healthy.

Are you growing a kratom plant? Have you ever been guilty of these mistakes or perhaps others that we have not mentioned? How did you cope with them?

Many don’t realize that kratom, which is effective for a myriad of health conditions and other needs, can also be beneficial for those with diabetes. Its versatile properties can support diabetics in various ways.

Let’s take a look at how kratom for diabetes can help you feel better and which strains to choose.

What Is Diabetes

Diabetes is a type of disease in which patients experience increased blood glucose, also known as blood sugar levels. Glucose is a simple type of sugar that results from food being digested.

The body needs glucose for energy. Insulin, a natural hormone that the pancreas produces, helps cells use glucose properly. It also ensures that the blood sugar level is normal, preventing it from being too high or too low.

Neither one of the extremes is good for us.

Too much glucose in the blood, or hyperglycemia, for a long time, can cause serious health issues. It can damage blood vessels increasing the risk of stroke, heart disease, problems with vision, nerve damage, or even kidney damage.

However, hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can lead to one being clumsy, fatigued, having trouble concentrating and talking. In severe cases, this can even lead to a loss of consciousness, seizures, or death.

People who suffer diabetes have issues with the way their body produces and utilizes insulin. Therefore, their blood sugar levels are higher than they are supposed to be.

Types of Diabetes

There are two types of diabetes: diabetes 1 and diabetes 2:

• Diabetes 1 is less common. With it, the body does not produce insulin on its own.
• Diabetes 2, the more common type, occurs when the body does not produce insulin well or does not use it properly.

Sometimes, it is also possible to have blood sugar levels that are higher than normal, yet not high enough to be classified as diabetes. This condition is prediabetes. A person who has it has a much higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later on.

Another type of diabetes is gestational diabetes. It is a type that develops during pregnancy in women who did not have diabetes before. A high blood sugar level can have a negative effect on the health of both the mother and the baby.

Common Diabetes Treatment Methods

Insulin, usually administrated in injection form, is the most common treatment method for diabetes 1. There are various types of it, and, depending on how severe insulin depletion is, the doctor wi determine the most suitable dose and type.

For type 2 diabetes, oral medication such as metformin is common. It can lower glucose levels in the blood and help the body respond to insulin better. However, depending on individual symptoms, other medications may be used.

In addition to medication, lifestyle changes are also beneficial to improve the health and wellbeing of a person with diabetes. These usually include:

• A balanced diet low in carbohydrates, especially simple carbs, and foods with high glycemic index and high in fiber. Such a diet ensures that food breaks down slowly and blood sugar that results from its breakdown releases into the bloodstream slowly and steadily rather than at once.
• Weight loss. Even a small decrease in weight can significantly reduce the risk of diabetes.
• Regular exercise. It can help muscles use up blood sugar for energy as well as reduce weight, which can improve the way in which the body responds to insulin. Excess weight and obesity increase the risk of diabetes.
• Proper hydration. Drinking plenty of water can help the kidneys flush out excess blood sugar from the system.
• Reducing stress and anxiety. Stress hormones increase blood sugar levels, and stress management techniques such as yoga and meditation can help release stress and prevent additional blood sugar from being released. Massage can be helpful too.
• Improving sleep. Not enough sleep can lead to poorer diet choices, overeating, higher stress hormone levels, and can affect the body’s insulin sensitivity.

While a combination of lifestyle changes and medication may be necessary, some studies indicate that lifestyle and diet changes, as well as weight loss, may be enough to reverse diabetes.

5 Ways Kratom for Diabetes Can Be Beneficial

1. Pain Relief

Diabetes can result in nerve damage. This condition, known and diabetic neuropathy, can be painful. It can manifest as tingling in the hands and feet, or even burning or sharp pain. Kratom can provide natural pain relief that range from mild to strong, depending on the strain. Pain relief from kratom can also be effective in soothing pain that tends to be resistant to medication.

2. Anxiety and Stress Relief

Red and green kratom strains can aid diabetes patients to keep their stress and anxiety in check. Over time, this can lead to steadier blood sugar levels and fewer spikes in blood sugar levels.

3. Better Sleep

Kratom has the potential to improve sleep is a few ways. Firstly, slow strains can help one relax, fall, and stay asleep. This can lead to a better mood, lower stress hormone levels, as well as help the body get proper rest and recovery.

Secondly, moderate and fast strains can also improve sleep. While they should be taken during the daytime, they can help one remain active throughout the day and feel tired by the time they need to go to sleep.

4. Improved Mood

Living with diabetes can be challenging. The mood can fluctuate, and the person can experience mood swings, anger, and depression. This can worsen the symptoms by causing blood sugar levels to rise.

However, kratom can support people with diabetes by helping them improve their mood and overall wellbeing.

5. Weight Loss

It’s common among kratom users to have reduced appetite. Kratom lovers also tend to adopt healthier habits such as having more balanced meals, choosing healthier foods, drinking more liquids, less snacking between meals, and taking natural supplements such as magnesium to promote better health.

All of that combined can lead to weight loss, which can improve diabetes symptoms or even reverse.

Best Kratom for Diabetes

Different types of kratom can bring different benefits for diabetes. Therefore, diabetes patients can select strains that best support their needs. Slow strains such as Red Bali, Red Thai, and Red Borneo can help one relax and sleep. They can also provide potent pain relief and euphoria.

Green and yellow strains such as Green Malay, Green Maeng Da, or Yellow Bali kratom can be beneficial if a diabetic person is looking for improved mood and increased energy throughout the day, while also relieving stress and anxiety.

While whites can also be helpful, they can, at times, feel too much. Whites are potent in small doses and can make one feel jittery or agitated if the dose is too big. Therefore, new kratom users or people struggling with depression should approach whites mindfully or avoid them altogether.

Keep in mind that kratom drug interactions are possible. Therefore, you should consult your doctor to make sure that kratom does not interfere with any of the medications that you may be taking.

Moreover, due to limited studies, it’s best that pregnant women avoid taking kratom for diabetes. While many report not having any issues with kratom during pregnancy, it’s not currently known how that may affect the baby in the long term.

Do you take kratom for diabetes? Which are your go-to strains?